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helpless to look away. Her heartbeat quickened.
    Grant was saying something.
    Storm felt a flush come over her face as she tore her gaze away from Brett. “Excuse me?”
    Grant laughed. “I know he’s more handsome than I am, but I’m deeply wounded,” he teased.
    Storm’s face burned. Fortunately, the maid intervened to ask her if she wanted any breakfast. “Yes, please,” she cried, her heart thumping. God, she was making a fool out of herself! How could she have stared at him like that?
    â€œMy wife, Marcy, is coming over this afternoon to call on you,” Grant continued.
    Storm was startled. “Why?”
    â€œTo welcome you to the city,” he said.
    â€œYou’ll love her, Storm,” Paul added. “She’s only a few years older than you. I’m hoping you two will be great friends.”
    Storm smiled, somewhat wanly.
    â€œShe’s going to take you to the dressmaker today, too,” Paul added, hoping to please her.
    Storm looked stricken. “Today?”
    â€œYou do need clothes,” Paul pointed out.
    Storm stared down at her plate. It was starting already. “Pa’s leaving tomorrow,” she said firmly, “and I’d rather wait until after he’s gone to do that.”
    â€œThat’s okay,” Derek said, patting her hand. “As long as your afternoon’s cut out for you, I’ll take off today.”
    She was stunned.
    â€œAre you sure you don’t want to stay?” Paul asked. “For a few days, anyway?”
    â€œNot only do I have a ranch to run,” Derek said, “but I also have the most beautiful, loving woman in the worldwaiting for me.” He grinned. “I guess I’m a besotted fool, but I miss her like hell.”
    â€œPa, please don’t go today,” Storm whispered urgently, turning stricken blue eyes on him.
    â€œI really have to get back, sweetheart,” he said easily. “Chin up, Storm. In a few weeks you’ll be having such a good time you won’t ever want to come home.” As an afterthought, he added, “But you will.”
    Storm was no longer hungry. Pa was leaving today! Damn Marcy Farlane for her friendliness, and damn them all for making him go! She stared at her plate but didn’t see the eggs. She was terrified. She, who had fought renegade Comanches, faced a grizzly alone, and been attacked once by outlaws. She hadn’t been afraid then, but she was afraid now. All her life she had been secure in the warm, loving bosom of her family. Although Derek was gone sometimes on trail drives, there was always her mother and brothers. She had never been apart from her family.
    Across the table, Brett was feeling sorry for her. She was really only a child. It was so clear she didn’t want to stay in San Francisco and didn’t want her father to leave her. She was a wild, beautiful child. Almost a woman.
    Paul spoke. “Dear, I have some wonderful news for you.”
    Storm managed to look up, trying to hide her dismay.
    â€œThe Farlanes are holding a small dinner party Friday in your honor.”
    â€œWhat?” It was a gasp.
    â€œTo introduce you to some of the young people of town, and some bachelors.”
    She couldn’t believe it. Friday—five days away. Good God! She was going to have to mix with elegant men and women—she couldn’t do it!
    â€œThat’s very nice of you and your wife,” Derek saideasily to Grant, shooting his daughter a hard, uncompromising look.
    â€œIt’s our pleasure,” Grant returned.
    â€œYes, thank you,” Storm managed stiffly, standing. “Excuse me, please,” and she turned and hurried from the room.
    The four men stared after her, Paul and Grant in surprise, Brett with both surprise and admiration for the rear view of her form, and Derek with grim understanding. He turned to Grant. “Please forgive her,” he said softly, “but the